The run the Wiggins volleyball team had in the fall captivated the community and brought out the best amongst the athletes.

One of the biggest fans of that run is Wiggins head girls basketball coach William Von Loh. Many girls that played volleyball did not go out for basketball last year, but some new faces from the team will join the Tigers this winter. That, along with the winning and success the girls tasted in the fall, is something he hopes will continue on the court.

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"One of the things I admire about the volleyball program is seeing the culture of playing for each other," Von Loh said. "We are seeing that here in the first few weeks of the season. The girls are cheering each other on. Seeing that culture come over will help this basketball program."

A winning volleyball season is just part of the carry over that Von Loh is looking for his team to have this season.

The Tigers played a number of games in summer league and at camps to get ready for the season and saw some good things come from the time on the court. Add in how the Tigers challenged some league teams late in the season last year and a large group of girls going out for the team, Von Loh believes his team will be capable of rising in the league standings and challenging more teams on the schedule this year.

"The kids are excited coming off the successful volleyball season," Von Loh. "We're excited about what we can do."

Wiggins finishes 4-16 overall and 0-8 in league play last year. The difference for the team was a 1-8 record in the nine games that were decided by 10 points or fewer during the season. To get some of those games in their favor, the team is looking to increase their scoring numbers and shooting percentages on offense.

"What we really need to work on is offense," Sabrinna Sierra said.

Von Loh will have the benefit of returning nearly every player from the varsity team and will have depth on the bench once again this season.

Leading the team in the backcourt will be guards Courtney Jenson and Claire Boyer. Jenson was one of the top players in steals per game last year in the state and led the team with 8.2 points per game. For Boyer, she emerged as a key varsity starter and averaged 6.5 points per game.

"Those two pair up with each other in drills and really push each other," Von Loh said. "They can get under each other's skins sometimes. We like seeing that in practice. They really push each other and look for each other on offense and defense."

Complementing the guards will be a number of post players that are expected to contribute as well. Paige Finegan emerged as a go-to player in the post her freshman year at 5.4 points and four rebounds per game. Sierra, one of the players that anchored the second unit last year, provided some scoring and rebounding in her role off the bench. Lexi Steinbar is a third player that saw time in the post last year and should contribute again this year.

All of the posts also show an ability to handle the ball and will allow the Tigers to mix and match from the outside on offense.

"Our posts can play outside as well," Von Loh said. "You're going to see us in some five-out sets to read and react. We can use our athleticism and play all over the court."

So far, the team has responded well in the preseason and will look to keep the momentum going through a home-heavy stretch to open the season.

"It's pretty exciting for us to have this many girls out," Sierra said. "I think we're going to have a good season. People know what to do now."

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